Nigeria’s D’Tigress suffered a second consecutive defeat at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after Hungary held on for a 71–67 victory in Berlin, Trybal News reports.
The African champions endured a difficult opening half, falling 21–13 behind after the first quarter before Hungary extended their advantage to 36–26 at the break.
Elizabeth Balogun’s fast-break lay-up briefly sparked Nigeria’s comeback, but Dorka Juhász responded with a late basket to restore Hungary’s 10-point cushion.
D’Tigress came out strongly after the interval, with Murjanatu Musa scoring three consecutive baskets while Amy Okonkwo drained two three-pointers and Ezinne Kalu added a lay-up. Hungary, however, maintained control and entered the final quarter with a 52–42 lead.
Nigeria mounted a determined fourth-quarter fightback, outscoring Hungary 25–19. Balogun and Victoria Macaulay spearheaded the late rally, with Balogun’s lay-up cutting Hungary’s lead to just two points.
But Reka Lelik kept her composure from the free-throw line, converting two crucial attempts to secure Hungary’s first Women’s World Cup victory in 28 years.
Okonkwo led Nigeria’s scoring with 17 points and six rebounds, while Balogun contributed 13 points. Kalu finished with 11 points and an impressive nine assists, with Macaulay and Musa adding 11 and 10 points respectively.
Juhász was outstanding for Hungary, finishing with 19 points and 16 rebounds, while Virág Takács-Kiss posted 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Elsewhere in Group B, Mali produced one of the tournament’s biggest shocks, defeating world No. 6 Spain 82–73 for only their second-ever Women’s World Cup victory and their first against European opposition.
Sika Koné starred for Mali with 19 points and 10 rebounds, recording a historic fifth consecutive double-double.
D’Tigress will now look to end the group stage on a positive note when they face France in their final Group B game on Monday, September 7.
